Advantages and Disadvantages of Polymers

We discussed what is polymer and what are the types of polymers in this article. If you do not know about polymers, you can read about polymers in that brief explanation. Like other types of materials such as ceramics, metals, etc. polymers also have advantages and disadvantages, which define their market and application areas. 

What are the Advantages of Polymers?

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• The biggest advantage is, that the processing of polymers can be very easy if we compare it with other materials. We require, that no further processes are generally done to obtain the net shape of the plastic part. Usually, we can produce the net shape of the last product from polymer with one process such as plastic injection.
• Low thermal and electrical conductivity, high corrosion resistance, and very good strength-to-weight ratio make polymers very attractive materials for such engineering applications.
• We use polymers generally in composite materials.
• Another important benefit is, that we can produce transparent and translucent plastics or polymers. This property of polymers makes them a competitive material to glass.
• Also, another advantage of polymers; is that the melting temperature of plastics is low generally, which provides low processing temperatures for polymers. Process energies are also low because of this reason compared with metals. Which makes polymers cost-competitive with metals.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Polymers?

• The biggest disadvantage of polymers is, because of the viscoelastic property of most polymers, we can not use them in bearing load applications.
• Service temperature limit is such a problem to use polymers in high-temperature applications. They have relatively low melting and degradation temperatures, so this can be a limit for use at high temperatures.
• Some polymers can degrade on sunlight and some radiation
• Strength and hardness are low if we compare them with ceramics and metals.
• Modulus of elasticity or stiffness is generally low in polymers. But for elastomers, this property can be an advantage for come applications.

Conclusion

The advantages and disadvantages of polymers and plastics can be summarized above. When you select the proper material for your application or design, you need to select the proper material for it by looking at its properties.

These advantages and disadvantages of polymers can be helpful for you.

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Check the other articles about polymers below;

What is the Biodegradable Plastics? Advantages, Disadvantages and Production

Coating Methods of Parts with Polymers

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Properties and Applications of Thermoplastic Elastomers